I am a Cat, it said smiling at her,

Caslteknock Cat, you can tell by my fur,

My paws and whiskers give also a hint,

While the smile on my face is most significant.

*

I can see by your fur, said Maria – I do,

And also your paws and whiskers – it’s true,

But that smile on your face has me all in a tizz,

Coming and going in such a whiz.

*

Still smiling at her, the Cat dryly replied,

You’d never believe me; you’d think I had lied,

If the smile on my face was gone – it’s a fact,

No one would listen or look at this Cat.

*

Without offering Maria the chance to reply,

The Cat went on with his horrible lie,

Creeping closer and closer, until ever so near,

He pounced, lashed out and cut her left ear.

*

Feeling the hurt and the blood running down,

Maria groaned, I was such a clown,

To have ever believed a Cat with a grin,

Take that, and that, you horrible thing!